The U.S. Imposing Stricter Visa Rules for International Tech Chinese Students

Illustration created by Breham, James (Image source: TheVerge.com)

After the commotion between the U.S. not allowing Chinese-made phones like ZTE and Huawei in the vicinity of the U.S. military bases around the world, the land of the great has made another step in pushing back Chinese nationals in their country. Pentagon’s leaders believe that these phones impose a threat in the security and the confidentiality of the U.S. government. This is likely the additional steps planned by Pentagon and the US to secure their bases.

More bans

The United States of America also announced that they might have stricter rules as regards the two companies. There is a large possibility that both ZTE and Huawei manufactured devices might not be part of the U.S. market anymore.

Huawei P20 (Image source: Cnet.com)

Although no proof has been shown by the U.S. government that their reasons for these bans are legitimate yet, they’re still trying to up the restrictions of the said devices to a more serious level. However, President-elect Donald Trump stepped in and to save ZTE, citing that ZTE is a huge partner of several US companies.

That’s good and all but then another problem emerged just as the month is coming to a close, this time involving Chinese students’ visas.

Heaver visa rules for International Chinese students

A few days ago, the Department of the U.S. State said that they’re going to retard the length of the validity of visas which Chinese citizens can have – even students. This is their next move after the ban of the biggest Chinese technology manufacturers in their military bases as their defence on the intellectual property of the United States.

Based on their announcement, July 11th would be the start of the limit of granting Chinese visas by the consulate leaders and officers of the United States. They thought that limiting it instead of applying the possible maximum duration would be the transition stage.

Image Source: Pixabay

According to the Associated Press, only a year will be allowed for graduate Chinese students if they’re focus-of-study is in aviation, high-technology manufacturing, and robotics. In the event that a Chinese student majoring in all of those works as either a manager or a researcher for a company listed in the Commerce Department of the U.S., a special request or clearance from different U.S. agencies shall be asked.

However, companies part of that list is still unclear. If we are to look at the issue about ZTE and Huawei in the recent weeks, we can assume that technology firms and mobile companies might be part of that list.

What can Chinese citizens expect after the strict visa ruling?

According to Chinese diplomats, even though the U.S. have imposed this kind of rule, it won’t affect their plans of getting the better education they are looking to have. Although it’s their goal to bring their studies of Engineering, Mathematics, Science, and Technology, they would be forced to bring it elsewhere where they can study in peace and without changing grounds.

However, one Chinese student who will leave for the U.S. to take up Chemical Engineering said that the policy won’t negatively affect her plans now. She said that whatever policies or rules the U.S. will implement won’t be a drastic change to most of her and her colleagues set up. She would want to get her doctorate degree in the U.S. but if it permits, she would have to find another country. Besides, she’s not planning on permanently living in the U.S.

No further updates about this news are out but one thing is for certain, this strict ruling won’t be a hindrance to most Chinese students’ plans and endeavors.